In the heart of Chelsea, on this rather wet and soggy night, there is a performance that is full of passion and purpose. Welcome one, welcome all to Opera Loki’s Tosca. This intimate space is hosting the renowned opera but this version has a slight twist, it’s set in the 1920s with its glorious clothing and quick wit just a few of the added extras.
Tosca is a tale of passion, intrigue and emotion. In the titular role of chief protagonist is Kirsty Taylor-Stokes whose voice is a joy to listen to, full-bodied and well-rounded. There is a lot of characterisation to this role and our Tosca in this retelling is mesmerising.
Phil Clieve as Cavradossi and Geoff Clapham as the terrifying Scarpia more than ably show the light and dark of their interludes in the story. The set is simple but the lighting effects allow us to view it from an almost 360 perspective from the tragedy in the parapet straight through to the first locking of eyes, adding to the value of what is a wonderful night at the opera.
Now I finally understand just how enthralling and engaging a sing-through in its original language is. I had fears that I wouldn’t be able to understand it however such is the brilliance of the pierce that this became unfounded right from the get-go.
What is even more clear to see is Jane Grey’s commitment to allowing the audience to understand the piece in its full glory whilst sprinkling in a touch of magic.
Ladies and gentlemen: brava and bravo!
Review: Kay Johal